Analysing Existing Designs

To analyse existing designs, you will closely examine how a current system works and identify its key components, materials, and function.

The most effective way to analyse an existing design is to apply the factors that influence design in reverse to help you determine design choices that were made by the creative team behind the system you are analysing.

You can also:

• create flow-charts, IPO and sub-system block diagrams, which will in-turn help you become better at formulating your own in the future.
• Compare and contrast exisiting designs against each other
• Examine available testing data, specifications, or datasheets to understand performance limits and tolerances.
• Investigate user feedback (publicly available reviews) or real-world use cases to see how the system performs.
• Analyse failure points and maintenance requirements to identify weaknesses or risks in the design.
• Consider manufacturing and assembly methods

Overall, consider what the design does well, where it falls short, and how effectively it meets user needs.

The purpose of this analysis is to use these observations to inform and improve your own design decisions.